Digital ID cards would be required for every Scot under plan by Labour MP
A senior Scottish Labour MP has called for the introduction of digital identity cards for everyone in the UK.
Gregor Poynton said requiring voters to prove their ID would crack down on illegal immigration and speed up access to welfare benefits and the NHS.
Former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair tried to introduce compulsory ID cards when he was in charge, but the plan was abandoned.
Reports at the weekend claimed that new PM Keir Starmer has been won round to a digital version of the controversial scheme.
Poynton, the MP for Livingston and a Government loyalist, has come out in favour of a universal scheme.
He told the Record: 'It's time to face the facts, Britain needs a proper digital ID system. In today's fast-moving world, we can't afford to let outdated systems hold us back.
'A secure digital identity is the key to fixing our broken immigration system and speeding up the public services we all use.'
Gregor Poynton's full article on digital ID.
It's time to face the facts, Britain needs a proper digital ID system. In today's fast-moving world, we can't afford to let outdated systems hold us back. A secure digital identity is the key to fixing our broken immigration system and speeding up the public services we all use.The idea is simple: everyone should be able to prove who they are, and whether they have the right to live, work, and claim services in the UK. Without that, criminals slip through the cracks, dodgy employers get away with undercutting honest businesses and too often, it's the most vulnerable who get exploited.The good news? We're making progress. The new eVisa system already lets employers, landlords and public services quickly check someone's ID and immigration status. It uses secure facial recognition and gives full info on a person's visa rights. Over 10 million people now have one – and the system's already working at scale. In just six months, there were more than 4.3 million employer checks, half a million landlord checks, and 1.5 million checks from other services. That shows trust is growing.But this isn't just about clever tech. It's about fairness, enforcement and getting everyone with a stake to work together – like the UK Labour government's success in working with delivery companies Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat, where new rules are coming in to stop people sharing work accounts with those who aren't allowed to work here. More data-sharing means illegal workers are being tracked down faster – helping protect jobs, wages and standards.And it doesn't stop there. A trusted digital ID means faster NHS registrations, less fraud at the DVLA, and a tax system that actually works. It cuts red tape and gets help to where it's needed.And the public back it. A recent More in Common poll found that over half of Brits support a universal digital ID system – with just 19% against. Support cuts across supporters of every major political party, and all age groups.This is about security, fairness and trust. People in my Livingston constituency, Scotland and across the UK want firm but fair rules and services that work. It's time we delivered.
He said: 'Everyone should be able to prove who they are, and whether they have the right to live, work, and claim services in the UK.
'Without that, criminals slip through the cracks, dodgy employers get away with undercutting honest businesses and too often, it's the most vulnerable who get exploited.'
Poynton said the policy would assist Scots going about their lives: 'A trusted digital ID means faster NHS registrations, less fraud at the DVLA, and a tax system that actually works. It cuts red tape and gets help to where it's needed.'
One senior Labour Minister said at the weekend that Starmer had ordered a 'comprehensive' look at the role technology can play in government, including digital ID.
'Keir is leading on it,' they said. 'This is a serious piece of work. After a year in government, it is clear that technology is underpinning everything. Digital ID is foundational. Things are moving forward.'
The original Blair scheme triggered huge concerns about cost and civil liberties.
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